Why choose a humanist wedding?
Why choose a humanist wedding – real stories from couples across Scotland
When couples choose a humanist wedding with Humanist Society Scotland, they’re doing more than saying “I do”. As well as celebrating their love in a way that’s deeply personal and meaningful they are also supporting a national charity that champions human rights, equality, and freedom of belief.
Get married with meaning
Humanist weddings are legal, non-religious ceremonies that reflect your story, your values, and your love. Scotland was the first country in the UK where they became legal in 2005 – a milestone which was only possible thanks to Humanist Society Scotland’s pioneering campaign.
When a couple chooses a humanist wedding with Humanist Society Scotland not only do they get to create a ceremony that’s truly theirs, they’re also supporting our campaign work.
Humanist Society Scotland is driven to create a Scotland that is built on respect for human rights and individual autonomy. The charity works on issues that affect people all over Scotland, such as women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, ensuring that children in Scotland get high-quality, secular education free from religious bias and climate change and environmental issues.
So, when you choose one of our registered celebrants know that you are playing your part in supporting a fairer, more compassionate Scotland. We think that’s a great cause for celebration! But don’t just take our word for it — we spoke to some of our couples to find out why they chose a humanist wedding.
“It resonated with our values.”
“We found humanism resonates with our values and views of the world — equality, respect and dignity. We wanted our ceremony to reflect more than just the legal aspect of marriage.” Cristina & Andy, married by Janet Hamilton in Portencross.
“It allowed us to create something completely bespoke.”
“We chose a humanist ceremony because it allowed us to create something completely bespoke and personal which truly reflects us as a couple. It gave us the freedom to include what matters most to us and to shape the ceremony in a way that was authentic and meaningful.” Louise & Ranald, married by Sheona Read in Aberdeenshire.
“A celebration of kindness, inclusion, and family.”
“Human worth, compassion, empathy and autonomy are important to us. Our celebrant produced a beautiful non-religious service that focused on kindness and inclusion, and the importance of building a family that may not seem ‘conventional’ to others, but works for us.” Laura & Les, married by Jane Keir in Hawick.
“A human celebration, rooted in meaning.”
“We are humanists because we want to celebrate what it is to be human and to live life to the fullest. Our wedding will be a celebration of the parts of our relationship that are most meaningful to us.” Tasmin & Iain, married by Anne Fraser in Balloch.
“There was never a question”
“For us, it was never a question that we’d have anything other than a humanist ceremony. We love how personal and meaningful they are, focusing entirely on the couple, their love, and the journey they’ve shared.” Gemma & Jason married by David Smith in Dunbar
“Personable, relaxed, and fun!”
“We wanted our ceremony to be really personable and relaxed — with an element of fun too! Our celebrant helped us create the perfect script.” Toni-Leah & Kieran, married by Caroline Mortimer in Erskine.
“Not intimidating, but inclusive and full of love.”
“We wanted something momentous, but not intimidating. Humanist weddings feel so inclusive — full of care, love and joy.” Aedín & Pete, married by Claire Digance in North Berwick
“Our celebrant just got us.”
“We loved being able to browse celebrants’ profiles and find someone whose personality resonated with ours. That connection made the experience feel even more personal.” Ruth & Angus, married by Mairi Phillips.
“A celebration of our love and commitment.”
“A humanist ceremony gave us the opportunity to have our wedding exactly the way we wanted it — personal, meaningful, and free from tradition or expectation.” Rebecca & Rory, married by Brenda Reid
“Our story, our way.”
“We didn’t want a traditional religious wedding — we wanted the freedom to tell our story, our way.” Gareth & Ray, married by David Elder in Edinburgh.
“A ceremony where everyone feels welcome.”
“We wanted an inclusive ceremony, where people of all faiths and none feel equally welcome. Humanist values like love, respect and empathy are how we plan to live our lives — and they were the perfect foundation for our big day.” Laurence & Sharon, married by Helen Tuohy
Find your celebrant!
Start looking for a celebrant to conduct your humanist ceremony in Scotland.
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